Cooley signs contract extension through 2021

Ricky Ledo may be leaving, but Ed Cooley's not going anywhere.

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By
Jim Donaldson
Posted Apr. 10, 2013 @ 10:07 pm

Ricky Ledo may be leaving, but Ed Cooley's not going anywhere.

The day after the highly-hyped Ledo announced he was going to be none and done at Providence College, deciding to enter the NBA draft without ever playing a game for the Friars, Cooley has signed a contract extension that should keep him at PC through the 2021 season. Originally signed to a six-year deal in 2011, Cooley signed a four-year extension Wednesday afternoon that also includes a pay raise that is believed to bring his annual salary to an average of $2 million over the life of the contract.

"I truly want this to be the only coaching job I ever have," said Cooley, who grew up in Providence and played high school basketball at Central High.

"I'm really excited about it," Cooley said of his new deal. "I keep saying that this is the only place I ever want to coach - and that's real. I'm grateful to (PC president) Father (Brian) Shanley and (athletic director) Bob Driscoll. They trust and believe I'm the right person for the job."

They have good reason for thinking that way.

In just his second season at PC, Cooley's Friars won seven of their last nine conference games before losing their opening game in the Big East tournament. But they bounced back from that to win two games in the NIT, beating Charlotte and Robert Morris at home, before losing in the quarterfinals at Baylor, which went on to win the tournament title in Madison Square Garden.

Despite the departure of Ledo, the Friars are legitimate contenders for an NCAA tournament berth in 2014. "That's our goal," Cooley said. "I don't shy away from that expectation. It means we're getting better. It means we're doing things the right way. It means we're getting players who can play at a high level." Hoping to play at the highest level next season, Ledo on Tuesday declared himself eligible for the NBA draft, even though he didn't play his freshman year at PC because the NCAA ruled he was only a partial qualifier. He was on scholarship, and was able to practice with the team, but was not allowed to suit up for games.

Ledo still could change his mind - it wouldn't be the first time he's done that, having attended four high schools and also leading PC a merry chase during the recruitment process a year ago - about entering the NBA draft.

He has until Tuesday to do so. But Cooley doesn't see that happening. "Based on all the conversations I've had with him and his family, I don't see him coming back," Cooley said. "He's going to give himself the opportunity to be drafted, and I wish him well." Despite Ledo's tremendous potential, Cooley is not devastated by his departure. He is, however, disappointed.

"Ricky grew this year," Cooley said. "He learned a lot this year, both on the court and off. Providence College did a lot for him. It's disappointing that we're not going to be able to reap benefit from that. "It's also disappointing that, as a local kid, he won't play here and bring hope to other young kids. But I'm happy for him and his family to have the opportunity for him to live his dream of playing in the NBA."

Cooley is delighted to have so many good players returning to - and joining - the program next season.

He said he believed 6-9 senior Kadeem Batts could have a "breakout" year that would bring him national attention. He said that McDonald's all-American guard Kris Dunn, whose development early in the season was hampered because he was recovering from shoulder surgery, can be an "elite" defender. Cooley also expects Dunn to shine offensively, saying that, as a freshman, he was deferential to some of the more experienced players on the team. "He can be special," Cooley said. Senior guard Bryce Cotton has proven that he's special by leading the Big East in scoring this season.

With the return of LaDontae Henton and Josh Fortune, the eligibility of ACC transfers Tyler Harris and Carson Derosiers, and the addition of highly-recruited freshman Brandon Austin, it's no wonder that Cooley says: "I'm excited to coach this team."

And, as shown by his new contract, it's clear that the PC administration is excited to have Cooley coaching their team.

"Coach Cooley has demonstrated in numerous ways that he is the right coach for Providence College," Fr. Shanley said. "He is a true leader both on and off the court, and we could not be more pleased to affirm that leadership by extending his contract. I join the College community, our alumni and fans in congratulating him as we all look forward to an exciting year ahead, and to building on the momentum generated by this year's NIT team."

"Ed is a perfect fit for our college, our city, and our state," Driscoll said. "He has made so much progress in just two short years rebuilding our program and we are confident we will be able to compete for a league championship in the new BIG EAST. We are thrilled that Ed will continue to lead the Friars."